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Going Under

Going Under

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2004

Unrated

Director

Eric Werthman

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Going Under is a niche psychosexual drama that focuses on unconventional interpersonal dynamics rather than broad social representation. Its main strength lies in challenging traditional gender hierarchies through the depiction of female dominance. However, the film lacks diverse representation. It adheres to a standard dramatic structure and does not actively incorporate racial or LGBTQ+ diversity. Ultimately, the film challenges social norms regarding sexuality and power but fails to offer a wide demographic breadth or systemic representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Going Under have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship between a psychotherapist and a dominatrix. It explores BDSM and non-traditional power dynamics but does not explicitly include LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Going Under portray gender?

Fair

Suzanne breaks traditional feminine roles by being a professional dominatrix with authority. However, the story is centered around the male protagonist's psychological issues.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Going Under?

Limited

The narrative lacks evidence of a diverse or non-Anglo-Saxon cast. It follows a standard dramatic structure without prioritizing racial blending or ethnic subversion.

How does Going Under represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into moral ambiguity through a subculture that exists outside mainstream approval. It emphasizes individual desires and personal histories over traditional moral values.

Does Going Under include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any characters dealing with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

  • Disrupts traditional gender hierarchies by highlighting a female professional in a position of authority.
  • Challenges conventional romantic structures through the exploration of BDSM and power exchanges.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not explicitly represent LGBTQ+ individuals or critique heteronormativity.
  • Does not show racial diversity or subversion of ethnic norms.
  • Does not include any representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Peter, a married psychotherapist, and Suzanne, a professional dominatrix, have been engaged in an affair of sensual dominance and submission in an S&M dungeon where they must abide by the rules. Now, those rules are about to be broken when they agree to see each other on the outside. As Peter becomes increasingly obsessed with the troubled Suzanne, they embark on a sordid psychosexual journey into their tortured pasts through their most carnal desires.

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